|
|
 |
|
|
|
 Security Networks Are (Literally) Heating Up; How to Keep Your Cool
By Neil Heller
At the heart of every DVR, NVR and storage-based security system is a hard drive. This component, the repository for critical and irreplaceable data, requires proper care in order to provide uninterrupted function. Heat and humidity are the enemies of a hard drive.
Operating DVRs at near high temperatures will dramatically shorten their life span. Under normal ambient temperature conditions, increases of 10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit can cause considerable long-term damage to a DVR's hard drives and internal components. Manufacturers may not honor the warranty of hard drives that have failed due to high temperature conditions from 24/7 operations. Humidity is another important consideration. High temperature and humidity followed by rapid cooling will cause condensation and moisture on any electronic equipment, which will cause damage.
Proper installation can lessen the potential for environmental damage. Since built-in fans mostly just blow hot air, leaving a rack space between devices, or taking care to leave extra airflow space when placing recording devices directly on a solid surface, will help. Be certain the environment itself is properly cooled and/or ventilated - especially when installing recording devices in closets. Any cooling equipment needs to be matched with environmental systems to be truly effective.
By the time failure notices and alarms are activated, it's too late. Monitoring trends and sudden changes in environmental conditions is just as important, if not more important, to prevent failure and optimize hard drive life. Environmental forecasting is the key to controlling environmental conditions. For security systems, forecasting can be accomplished with environmental sensing equipment at the point of the recording and storage system installation. The system should provide not only temperature reading, but also airflow and humidity readings.
Warning and alarm levels must be set to match specific equipment and environmental conditions. Environmental polling and alarm durations should also be capable of being set to user-defined intervals. An operator should be able to program how long a condition persists prior to issuing an alarm. This is particularly important when the alarm is tied to some form of physical reaction such as audible or visual alerts. The system and/or its operator should be able to recognize the alarm condition without affecting the ability to record the surrounding environmental conditions.
While the concept of environment sensing is not new, the industry needs a system that delivers more capabilities. It should provide auxiliary control along with hard contact alarms - both of which are necessary for security systems. There is a need for an environmental system that can operate in the background, reporting conditions without the need for integration or complex programming of security devices - like most DVRs, NVRs and related server- and storage-based security products are viewed and operated. Ideally, an environmental device should directly interface out of the box and be able to communicate with virtually any conventional browser to assure
compatibility across network platforms.
About the Author:
Neil Heller holds the position of director of new business development at American Fibertek. Prior to his appointment at American Fibertek, Heller was most recently group manager of product marketing at Panasonic Security Systems. Previous positions include Heller's tenure as western regional manager for Sensormatic and as national product marketing manager for Sanyo Fischer Company, where he was also actively involved with product development, marketing and sales. Heller brings 30 years of experience in the video surveillance category to AFI.
Find out more at
www.americanfibertek.com
|
|
|
|
 ATTENTION SECURITY MAGAZINE SUBSCRIBERS!
Have you renewed your FREE subscription to Security lately? If you haven't renewed since May, it's time! Click here to bring your subscription up-to-date.
If you'd like to start a subscription to our monthly publication, please click here. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Using DNA Evidence in Small Crimes Could Clog System
The story is straight out of Nancy Drew: A half-eaten corn dog found at the scene of a suburban office burglary yields DNA that links the crime to a man with 27 previous arrests. But it's not fiction. It happened in Hennepin County, Minn., earlier this year. New research shows that using DNA to solve property crimes like burglaries -- and not just violent crimes like homicides and sexual assaults -- is particularly effective.
Will DNA breakthroughs cause a breakdown?
|
|
|
|
LAX Security To Get Eye Scanners & Fingerprint Readers
Earlier this month, Clear Fly Through Airport Security announced its partnership with Delta (NYSE:DAL) Airlines. It's one of those Registered Programs you can sign up for to speed through security lines after doling out $128. By the end of the month, Terminal 5 at LAX will have this system set up.
How will this technology work?
Biometrics Technology Reveals True Identities
According to the National Science and Technology Council and Committee on Homeland and National Security, fingerprinting is one of the most reliable and convenient methods used to identify people because of the uniqueness of fingerprints and the ease of obtaining them. Today coalition forces are using fingerprints, iris scans, and facial pictures, or biometrics, to identify insurgents.
Can biometrics fight terrorism? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 The Art of Leadership
by Marleah Blades
In the headlines we read much more about leadership failures than leadership successes. The security professional aspiring to that coveted corporate executive position may find it daunting to watch the parade of fiascos and consequences the past several years have brought: Enron, HP, BAE, HealthSouth, Vivendi, Parmalat. While there's much to be learned from these leadership breakdowns, do their lessons really apply to security leadership? If so, what can the aspiring security executive do to develop the skills that will help him or her avoid similar catastrophes once in the top position?
Look for the rest of this article in the July Issue of Security Magazine, or sign up for a free subscription.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intercom Works with Electronic Access Control, Analog Systems
For smaller buildings that need a reliable intercom system, check this one out. Aiphone has released a master station, which complements its AX Series intercom.
Find out more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click
here to opt-in to receive Today's Systems Integrator eNewsletter free twice a month.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BNP Media
2401 W. Big Beaver Road, Ste. 700
Troy, Michigan, 48084-3333
U.S.A. |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
